STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS - LUNCH EDITION [+ VIDEO] - MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
WALSH TO DISCUSS GUN TRAFFICKING, BUY-BACK PROGRAM
With bills to address gun violence bottled up in committee on Beacon Hill, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh plans to talk about his plans to address gun violence in the city on Monday. Walsh will announce a citywide gun buy-back program, a regional summit on gun trafficking, and a renewed focus on a program that helps young people get summer jobs. Walsh plans a press conference at 1 p.m. with Police Commissioner William Evans, pastor Liz Walker and community representatives at Dr. Loesch Family Park on Wainwright Street and Brent Street in Dorchester. Beacon Hill lawmakers have been mulling over ways to reduce gun violence since the legislative session began 15 months ago. Bills addressing gun violence remain before the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. - M. Norton/SHNS
LAWMAKERS TIE $$$ PLAN TO CHARTER CAP PROPOSAL
With the clock ticking to reach a compromise on legislation to lift the charter cap in underperforming school districts, the Senate co-chairwoman of the Education Committee and the lead sponsor of cap-raising legislation on Monday outlined the contours of a deal they reached over the weekend that still has several major hurdles to clear. Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Rep.
>>> For video of the press conference with Holmes, Chang-Diaz and Forry, go to: http://www.statehousenews.com/video/14-03-24charter/ <<<
SENATE CANCELS FORMAL SESSION PLANS
The Senate does not plan to hold a formal session this week. Senate President Therese Murray outlined a scheduled last week calling for a formal session on Thursday, but those plans were wiped out on Monday when the Senate met for 15 minutes and agreed to meet next on Thursday during an informal session, usually a lightly attended affair where non-controversial bills are taken up. - M. Norton/SHNS